Meet Kanya Sesser, A Model And Athlete With No Legs

Every once in a while, a purely human story of strength and love hits our boring internet feeds, and we’re all reminded, for a moment, of the indomitability of the human spirit. We’re also reminded how blessed we are, and how simple life can be.

Kanya Sesser, a 23-year-old model, was born without legs. Her motto, “No Legs, No Limits” is a testament to the strength of her character and to mankind’s ability to achieve anything, regardless of setbacks. Not only is she a motivational speaker, but she’s also a surfer and an underwear model, and she has a message about beauty standards.

In her 23 years, Sesser has undoubtedly faced overwhelming diversity. She was placed in a Thailand orphanage after her birth, but was adopted at the age of 5. She moved to Portland, Oregon with her new family.

Instead of using a wheelchair to get around as a child, she used a skateboard, as well as learning how to walk on her hands. And instead of buckling under the pressure of society’s beauty standards, Sesser’s goal is to redefine the narrow definition of beauty. Sesser turned her leglessness into an advantage, showcasing her particular beauty as a lingerie model, a job for which she makes a whopping $1,000 per day.

Sesser is obviously proud of her work in modeling, stating that these photos, as well as beautiful, are a testament to her strength. “I love showing people what beauty can look like,” Sesser said. “These images show my strength.”

It’s wonderful to see a woman not only declare her beauty, but to fly in the face of beauty standards so forcefully. Kanya Sesser is an inspiration to all women, and all of humanity.

At this time, Sesser boasts modeling campaigns with some serious brands. She started modeling at 15, because it “just happened” for her, and now she’s modeling for Billabong, Rip Curl Girl, and Nike.

Kanya is currently in training for the 2016 Paralympics, where she plans to compete in the mono ski event. She also has a book coming out in 2016, which will chronicle her life’s journey. Needless to say, I’m going to have to get me a copy of that.

She declares with astonishing confidence that any woman would be jealous of: “Different is sexy. I don’t need legs to feel sexy.”

Lisa is a freelance writer and bibliophile living on the outskirts of New York City. She likes 2 a.m. with a good book, takes cream in her coffee and heavily filters her photos. Check out her blog The Most Happy, her Instagram, and Twitter.